The Denver Zoo newest tiger, Nikita, is exploring a new $2.2 million exhibit space this week ahead of its grand opening on the southeastern edge of the campus.
Nikita was moved from Omaha, Nebraska, to Denver in November. The 6-year-old Amur tiger will be joined by other tigers in "The Edge" outdoor yard before its grand opening March 17-24, according to the zoo.
Nikita will be joined in the nearly acre-large exhibit space by Nikolai and Thimbu when they are move over from the Zoo's Feline Building. The two males were born at Denver Zoo in June 2010.
Amur tigers are considered endangered because there's estimated to be fewer than 400 remaining in the wild. "The Edge" gets its name partly from the animals' vulnerability.
"The exhibit is called 'The Edge' for a few reasons. First, to illustrate just how close visitors can get to the tigers. Second, to reflect the appearance of the new exhibit, which looks as though it’s on the edge of a forest. Finally, to serve as a reminder to guests that although the species is on the edge of extinction, with continued conservation efforts, they can be saved," the zoo said in a release.
"The Edge" is being made possible through a combination of Better Denver Bond funding from the City and County of Denver and an investment of time and resources by the zoo in-house staff.
Business & data reporter Adrian D. Garcia can be reached via email at [email protected] or twitter.com/adriandgarcia.
